John St. Marseille is Science and Nature on Tap guest-speaker

Cornwall Ontario — Schnitzels European Flavours has been packing in local science fans in Cornwall for monthly sessions of the River Institute’s Science & Nature on Tap.

The next gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd at 7 pm and will address urban flooding issues and the City of Cornwall’s new Blueprint Program. John St. Marseille, head of the City’s Infrastructure and Municipal Works department, will lead the discussion.

A professional engineer and geoscientist, John’s career spans nearly 25 years. He brought his skills to the municipality in 2013 when he became lead for the City’s Infrastructure and Municipal Work’s teams. A Civil Engineering graduate of Queen’s University with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, John also has an Undergraduate Science Degree from the University of Waterloo and a Technology Diploma from Georgian College. He has been recognized as a Fellow of Engineer’s Canada.

John’s passion for dialogue on sustainable infrastructure as well as urban water matters has been an inspiration for the Blueprint Program. The Blueprint is a City of Cornwall water brand that combines urban water management and public awareness.

These issues are particularly important given climate change challenges and the need for innovative and adaptive approaches. A key component of the Blueprint strategy is to address basement flooding events. Among other initiatives, a Flood Risk Reduction Rebate program is also available for homeowners living in affected areas of the City. A Question and Answer session will take place after the talk.

John’s presentation will focus on the City’s basement flood response as well the broader aspects of the Blueprint.

The Session is held at Schnitzels European Flavours and is free but space is limited. If you would like more information or to reserve a seat please call (613) 936-6620 or e-mail kcooper@riverinstitute.ca.